Agriculture is a discipline that leads to very meaningful work. Even before graduating, you will already find yourself looking for solutions to global issues that involve food production and distribution. The world needs your expertise to thrive.
Agriculture programs study subjects that keep the world from starvation: farming, cultivation, animal science, and environmental preservation. As technology continues to reshape the discipline, students who have keen interests in math, science, and machinery are more fascinated by the field than ever.
Students learn techniques from the ancient to modern days and aim to develop mastery in theory and practice. This is why agriculture schools often come with fully-equipped laboratories and university farms that students usually have to run themselves.
Programs that require top-notch facilities like these usually come at a high cost. But, did you know that there are tuition-free options you can consider? Enrolling in these schools will help you save money as you pursue high-quality education. Check out this list of some of the best and free agriculture schools with no tuition.
Why Should You Study Agriculture?
One of the reasons you should choose agriculture studies is that it offers a multifaceted field where you can study plants, animals, and the environment. Studying Agriculture also allows you to understand how the world is fed and explore sustainable ways of food production, making it a life-fulfilling career. And if you’re wary about job opportunities, know that Agriculture graduates end up in various sectors, besides farming, such as agricultural engineering, equipment designing, and research. What’s also great about this field is that you can study it in popular countries abroad. Although we currently have no available Agriculture programs, check out our Open Courses Page to find out what else you can study in top destinations, such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
Free Agriculture Schools
1. University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences – Vienna
The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences – Vienna is a free agriculture school in Austria that focuses on renewable resources. It is known locally as Universität für Bodenkultur Wien and is referred to simply as BOKU. Sustainability is at the heart of its curricula and research, and the school aims to contribute to environmental preservation.
BOKU offers several degree programs rooted in the natural sciences. The 3-year BSc in Agricultural Sciences is a good foundation if you want a career in the industry. It is offered in the German language. This program qualifies you to pursue further studies at the Master’s level and prepares you for any specialization of choice.
Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland enjoy tuition-free education at BOKU. International students pay a standard tuition fee of EUR 363.36 per semester. All students, however, are required to pay EUR 20.70, which covers their membership dues to the Austrian National Union of Students.
2. University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen is one of the most prominent educational institutions in Europe. It is also the largest in Denmark, offering education in a wide variety of subjects. The university proudly adheres to the highest international standards when crafting curricula which is why it is often described as a world-class institution.
Interested students can take up the 2-year MSc in Agriculture. It is offered in the English language and focuses mainly on how humans can benefit from plant life. It starts with a general study of agriculture and leads you to specialize in either Plant Science or Production & Environment.
Like other public universities in Denmark, the University of Copenhagen also offers tuition-free education to students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. International students must pay a fee before sending applications to the university and a tuition fee before starting the semester.
3. University of Bonn
Another free agriculture school with no tuition, the University of Bonn is consistently recognized as one of the leading schools in Germany. It is one of the few universities that gained the title “University of Excellence” under the German Universities Excellence Initiative. Over 35,000 students enroll every year, and a significant number are international students.
Agriculture is a multifaceted field, and the University of Bonn recognizes this by offering multiple specializations. Programs are available at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate levels. Students may study programs that cover agriculture broadly, like the 3-year BSc in Agricultural Sciences. You may also choose programs that concentrate on niche subjects, like Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, and Animal Sciences.
The University of Bonn does not charge tuition fees and application fees to all students. However, all students must pay the semester fee amounting to EUR 318. This covers your contribution to the student union and student train passes. Other living expenses – like rent, internet, and books – must be paid for by students individually.
4. Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Norway is one of the best countries to study agriculture, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences sits as the best school. It is a public university currently home to 5,200 students. This school was conceived as a college that specifically focuses on agriculture in 1859. With over 160 years of experience, the agriculture programs have only become stronger and more relevant, making the school an attractive option for anyone who wants to enter the industry.
All the degree programs at the university are connected to the field of agriculture. Undergraduates can study the 3-year BS in International Environment & Development Studies. Postgraduates can choose from a variety of specializations, including Agroecology, Animal Science, and Feed Manufacturing, to name a few.
Because it is publicly funded, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences does not charge tuition fees to all students. However, there is a fee of KR 470 that must be paid before the beginning of every semester. Take note that this amount can vary from year to year.
5. College of the Ozarks
The College of the Ozarks, another free agriculture school, is a Christian college located in the USA. It is dedicated to providing quality education to students who are high-achieving and hardworking but lack the means to pay for a private college education. They keep a small student population to maintain a good teacher-student ratio.
The Agriculture program here is available at the Bachelor’s level. The campus is home to operational farms and facilities where students get valuable experience to supplement their academic learning. Students often produce dairy, beef, and vegetables to be used at the school’s restaurants and bakeries.
College of the Ozarks offers tuition-free education to all students who participate in its work program. You will need to clock in 15 hours of work per week while studying and an additional 80 hours during breaks. Possible job positions include teaching assistants and ground keepers. If granted admission to the college, you will only need to pay an acceptance fee of USD 330 to cover your health & technology charges and the residence security deposit.
We hope this article on free agriculture schools was informative and helpful. To know more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
